Quickfire There’s nothing funny about Hugh Grant punching down on the industry that made him famous His career sits atop a pyramid of others, even lowly showbiz journalists, who could not do the same without risking their jobs. By Martha Gill
Rishi Sunak is taking a big risk by playing it so safe The Prime Minister shouldn’t throw so much red meat to his party’s dissenting factions. It will only embolden them. By Martha Gill
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle show the monarchy isn’t fit for the modern world Of course the royals feel trapped and miserable – the institution can’t be changed from within. By Martha Gill
Political friendship is a liability – just ask Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng Cramming your cabinet full of chums is tempting but it is a trap. By Martha Gill
Liz Truss has forgotten Brexit’s only important lesson – don’t ignore ordinary voters In a democracy, the public’s reaction to policies does matter, in moral and practical terms. By Martha Gill
Save the planet by saving the pandas If the green movement wants to capture British hearts and minds, it should focus on animals, not abstract temperature… By Martha Gill
Boris Johnson is about to become the Tories’ Meghan Markle Removing his title will not diminish his influence: it will expand it. By Martha Gill
The Tory party has been infected by a purist brainworm This summer’s leadership contest has taken place in a parallel ideological universe. By Martha Gill
Thatchermania won’t save the Conservative Party It’s not just Liz Truss – Tory women will be compared to Margaret Thatcher whether they like it or… By Martha Gill